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Citizens organize, want change in city government
legal requirements must be met, deadline for obtaining signatures was set for Jan. 1, 1977 and public support within this framework is urgently needed.
McKenna said: “If our people want a change in government this is important and necessary.”
Mrs. Joe Pilet was named public relations official for the committee and is expected to make information available through several news media for the benefit of prospective signers.
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By JOE PILET
An organized group of Bay St. Louis citizens headed by John McKenna voted unanimously on Wednesday to circulate a petition seeking a change in the form of city government. The decision was reached following an in depth study of various forms of local government available.
The group endorsed the Mayor plus five elected aldermen system and expect to campaign vigorously to oobtain a twenty percent qualified voter signature on a petition designed to bring the issue to a vote. Because
T. LOUIS, MISS., SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1976
Citizens organize
McKenna said:	“Our city
has reached a stalemate under our present system of mayor	and two com-
missioners. We have seen almost eight years of disagreement on important issues in the city hall. This strife has resulted in less than desirable government, including waste of tax payers’ money, inefficient handling of funds, and neglect of major projects such as drainage and street repairs. When our citizens approached me and asked for leadership in effecting a change that would lead toward a more representative form of gov.!- orient I felt it my civic duty co comply. I have lived in Bay St. Louis for fourteen years, am a property owner and a retired business
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executive. I have no political aspirations. I accepted the invitation to chair this cause since I believe it to be to the best interest of our community. I enjoy living in Bay St. Louis and since my retirement I have devoted considerable time to various civic affairs.”
McKenna said he had been given reason to hope for overwhelming public cooperation in the endeavor to change the form of city government to give a better balance of power. The petition will be circulated by volunteers and it will also be placed in convenient locations. Citizens who are concerned should take the initiative in signing, McKenna said, since time is limited.
MEXICAN IMPORTS
TOYS
POTTERY
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